Grower Dave Wilson cares for marijuana plants in the "Flower Room" at the Ataraxia medical marijuana cultivation center in Albion, Ill. Some veterans groups are trying to convince lawmakers to lift restrictions on cannabis testing in an effort to potentially offer alternatives to addictive opioids for war wounds. (Seth Perlman/AP)

Veterans groups are rallying efforts to convince Congress to lift restrictions on cannabis testing that would help researchers learn more about its potential health benefits.

One group in particular is opening lawmakers’ eyes to the positive impact from cannabis studies and discussing the challenges vets face from opiod addiction. Members of the Veterans Cannabis Project are hoping their efforts will help lawmakers pressure members of the Trump administration who remain staunchly opposed.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is among those against loosening restrictions, arguing that while marijuana remains a Schedule 1 drug, federal law restricts the agency’s ability to conduct research that involves the drug.